Medical Radiologic Technology

Program Overview

If you’re considering a career in health – one that lets you work one-on-one with
people and use state-of-the-art medical equipment – Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Medical
Radiologic Technology program might be for you.

Radiological technologists produce images of body parts and systems using X-ray, computed
tomography (CT) and breast imaging equipment. You need to be diligent, detail-oriented
and committed to high work standards. You also need to be comfortable positioning
and touching patients, as well as talking with them.

Note

This program is subject to the high-demand admission process. It opens for application
on October 1, and closes on February 15, each academic year. All supporting documentation
is required by 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time) on February 28(29).

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this high-demand
program.

Medical Radiologic Technology is a nationally accredited two-year diploma program
offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus . You’ll get hands-on training
in the use of radiographic equipment, learn how to position patients to get the best
images and learn to critique images. You’ll also develop knowledge and skills in:

anatomy and physiology

examination techniques

patient care

professionalism

radiation safety and protection

X-ray equipment

Practical, Hands-On Learning

Extensive clinical experience gives you a chance to apply what you learn in class
in an actual clinical setting. You’ll get 50 weeks of clinical experience, including
one week in your first year and the remaining 49 weeks during three separate practicums
in your second year. When you graduate, you’ll be competent in radiographic procedures
as applied to the human body.

Diploma to Degree

You can use your Medical Radiologic Technology diploma to ladder into a degree program
at the University of Regina or Athabasca University in Alberta. A degree is usually
required if you are interested in moving into management or teaching positions.

Nationally Accredited

After graduation, you’ll write the national Canadian Association of Medical Radiation
Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam. CAMRT certification allows you to work anywhere
in Canada and to become a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation
Technologists (SAMRT), which is a requirement to work in Saskatchewan.

Learning Environment

Each year, 20 students are accepted to this program. In the first year, students will
experience a mix of traditional lectures, web-assisted learning, practical and simulation
labs. Second year students continue their learning in a clinical practicum in either
the Saskatoon or Regina Qu’Appelle health regions.

For this program, there is a heavy workload with 15 - 20 hours/week of homework. School
hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday except during clinical practicums
where hours will coincide with health care hours.

Serve in the Canadian Forces

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Medical Radiologic Technology program is recognized by
the Canadian Forces, which means you can qualify for CF Paid Education funding. On
graduation, you’ll also receive advanced standing as a Medical Radiation Technologist,
which earns you a higher pay rate than graduates of non-CF recognized programs. Visit
cafcod-rpfcfac.forces.gc.ca for more information.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

There are many career options open to nationally certified medical radiological technologists
(MRTs). Choose a career in general radiography or specialize in computerized tomography,
mammography or angiography. Hospitals are a major employer, but you also might work
in a radiology clinic, cancer clinic, community health centre or private medical clinic.
You could also explore careers in veterinary clinics, educational institutes and equipment
sales.

Interests describe what people enjoy doing often in the course of a day. Individuals
in this program often enjoy:

Working with things such as machines, tools and equipment

Using my hands to make or fix things

Using my body to do physical work

Talking about my own feelings or those of others

Persuading or directing others and taking a leadership role

Working in ever-changing and high stress health care environments

Working with changing technology

Values

Values describe what the potential students have a high regard for, what gives meaning
to their work and their lives, and what things they will work hard for:

Seeing a finished product or visible results from their efforts

Being able to work and think independently

A strong work ethic and committed to professional development

Aptitudes/strengths

Aptitudes or strengths are natural abilities, talents and general suitability for
learning in a particular field. An example is a musical aptitude/talent where people
have a natural ability; therefore, it is easier for them to develop skills in this
area. Another example is mechanical ability. People with this natural talent are
able to learn mechanical skills more easily than others who lack the suitability.

Mechanical ability - understanding and using the principles involved in building and
repairing things

A skill is learned and developed. It is the learned capacity to do something that
has been practiced and worked on until it can be done easily. It is expected that
individuals entering the program will have developed a reasonable level of skill in
the following areas in order to successfully complete the program:

Working with mathematical ideas and knowledge of basic mathematics processes

Analyzing information to help solve problems

Thinking outside of the box adapting the typical procedure for patients that are unable
to move or participate in the process

Getting along well with others, individually and in teams

Making decisions which affect people or organizations

Setting up and keeping accurate records

Working on computers to do word processing and organizing information

General skills that are essential for entering any one of the Medical Diagnostic programs
(including analytical and critical thinking skills, time management skills, prioritizing
skills, flexibility and adaptability)

The purpose of this section is to give you an understanding of this career field and
to help you make more informed career decisionsThere are 9 skill categories with examples of how workers use them on the job. The
categories are: Reading, Using Documents, Writing, Math, Oral Communication, Thinking
Skills, Working with Others, Computer Use and Continuous Learning. This section is
based on the more detailed Essential Skills developed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Whole Numbers (for example, 5 and 23) - for example, working with inventory, setting
techniques on the equipment and filing

Fractions (for example, 1/5 and 3/18) - for example, making technique charts to determine
settings for x-ray machines. How much kilovoltage and milliamps/second need to be
set to produce enough x-rays to ensure diagnostic image results? Used in the numerous
quality control tests that are performed on the x-ray equipment

Decimals (for example, 8.50 and .75) - for example, setting techniques on the x-ray
equipment depending on the equipment

Rate, Ratio and Proportion - use a rate showing comparison between two quantities
with different units. For example, used in quality control testing (such as film
reject/repeat analysis)

Measurement Conversions - converting measurements between the metric and imperial
measurement systems (such as from inches to centimeters when determining film/cassette
sizes and from gallons to litres when mixing film processing chemistry)

Some of the measurement instruments used include calipers, thermometers, graduated
cylinders and various types of meters for quality control testsAbility to use a scientific
calculator

Communicate with patients to get information, to give information and/or to reassure
them

Communicate with other health care workers (such as co-workers, supervisors, nurses
and doctors)

May give presentations to co-workers, students and to professional associations and
conferences

Communication may be difficult when there is noise from trauma, operating room equipment
(for example, drills, saws and cautery), when the patient’s first language is not
English, with some physical and/or mentally disabled patients, with fearful patients,
with young children who cannot talk and/or patients under the influence of alcohol
and drugs

Problem solving (1 of 5 thinking skills )

Deal with personality conflicts in ever changing, high stress work environments

Deal with hierarchy of roles and influence - for example, technologist versus doctor

A typical example of problem solving required in the program is when the film processor
jams and your film is caught inside. It is often up to the technologist to determine
where the film is caught, what caused it and to determine if it can be fixed or if service
needs to be called in.

Decision making (2 of 5 thinking skills)This refers to making a choice among options. Decision making occurs during problem
solving but not all decision making is part of problem solving. Therefore, it is presented
as a separate thinking skill. For example, buyers for retail outlets regularly make
decisions about which suppliers to buy from and they select among the options for
particular types of merchandise. This is not problem solving.

Decide whether x-ray film is acceptable - in terms of quality, anatomy and diagnostic
value

Select the appropriate equipment for certain procedures

Decide on what order to take the images

Decide how to take images - may need to adapt normal procedures to fit patient's condition

Decide when to ask for help (such as when completing certain procedures and moving
and lifting patients)

Use professional judgment to determine benefits versus risks for the patient

Job task planning and organizing (3 of 5 thinking skills)

Although the duties are usually assigned and scheduled by the supervisor, the technologist
will usually organize his/her own daily schedule

Work is often organized within priorities

Emergencies often disrupt a work schedule

Work is coordinated with other co-workers for certain tests

Significant use of memory (4 of 5 thinking skills)

Remember where they were in a procedure when they were interrupted

Remember what procedures are used for which tasks

Remember past interaction(s) with patients when working with patients

Remember the location of supplies and equipment and which ones to use

Remember specific doctor protocols

Remember techniques and how to adapt

Finding information (5 of 5 thinking skills)

Use reference and procedure manuals, scientific and medical journals

Use institutional and computer databases

Talk to other health care workers such as co-workers, supervisors, nurses and doctors

Physics 30 will not be substituted for Physical Science 20 or Physics 20.

Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check
and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission into the program. At the discretion of
the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based
on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost
of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.

CPR Heartsaver " C" AED or equivalent is required prior to entry into the clinical
practicum. (Standard First Aid is no longer required).

Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning
(TLR®) certification upon admission into the program.

Applicants are also required to submit career investigations and awareness questionnaires
by February 28(29).

Clinical Practicum Experiences:

Fifty weeks of clinical practicum (which includes 1 week in Year 1 and 49 weeks in
Year 2) are located in either Regina or Saskatoon.

Clinical practicum experiences are assigned by the Medical Diagnostics Committee on
Practicum Placements (COPP). There are limited clinical placements in each location.
Enrolment in the program will require acceptance of the clinical placement as assigned
and this placement may be outside of Saskatoon.

Admission Method

High Demand

High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each Saskatchewan Polytechnic location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria. The application period for high-demand programs is October 1 to February 15, each academic year. All supporting documentation is required by 4:30 p.m. (Saskatchewan time), February 28(29).

Selection Criteria

Phase I for High School Graduates: The admission average is calculated from the final marks in high school courses
required for admission to the program. The high school average will be compared to
any grade point average(s) (UGPA) presented for a minimum of 30 passed post-secondary
credits from a recognized post-secondary institution - and the highest average considered
for admission. Such applicants must be in good standing with the institution. If transcripts
from more than one post-secondary institution are submitted, the highest UGPA will
be considered against the high school average. Applicants are then ranked in the order
of the highest averages.

Phase I for Current High School Students: The admission average is calculated from final marks provided by February 28(29).
Conditional admission may be granted on this basis. Current high school students must order transcripts
to be sent directly to Saskatchewan Polytechnic at the end of Semester 1 and the end
of Semester 2 of the grade 12 year. The final grade 12 mark will be used where the
course is completed. The final grade 11 mark will be used only in the absence of the
grade 12 mark in the same subject.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will observe radiographic procedures in the various areas of the clinical site where they may be performed.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 36.0Prerequisites(s): INFC 180, ETHC 185Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

ETHC 181

Patient Care in Radiography 1

2

You will learn the radiographer’s role in basic patient care when performing medical imaging procedures. You will learn about documentation in health care, isolation and transmission based precautions, and assessment of patients’ physical status. You will apply transferring techniques and learn about patient personal care assistance, identification of emergency procedures and recognition of basic medical accessory equipment.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 37.0Prerequisites(s): INFC 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will receive an introduction to health care and health care delivery systems. You will study the legal and ethical issues faced by health care professionals. You will discuss interpersonal and employability skills required in health care professions with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and stress management. You will learn methods to deal with grief and loss, in addition to skills and techniques for critical thinking and conflict management.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 42.0Equivalent Course(s): HUMR 182Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

Your studies will focus on the fundamentals of radiographic processing. You will learn about screen and film combinations, operating and maintaining processors, film fault analysis, darkrooms and facets of quality control relating to x-ray film processing.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 37.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

IMRC 183

Image Acquisition & Processing

4

You will learn the factors affecting radiographic qualities and how to develop a technique chart. You will study the theory of how modern radiographic equipment works, as well as the theory and application of digital image acquisition, processing, archiving, and quality control.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 53.0Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.Credit Units: 1Course Hours: 10.0Equivalent Course(s): MED 161Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PATH 179

Radiographic Pathology 1

2

You will learn how to identify the pathological conditions of specific body systems as demonstrated on radiographs. At course completion, you will be able to use the required radiographic qualities to adequately illustrate the pathology in question.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 33.0Prerequisites(s): RGAN 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

PATH 184

Radiographic Pathology 2

2

Building on the knowledge you gained in PATH 179 (Radiographic Pathology 1), you will continue to learn how to identify pathological conditions relative to radiographic appearance and which projection/view would best demonstrate them. You will discuss adjustments in exposure factors and general disease processes.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 23.0Prerequisites(s): PATH 179Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the appendicular skeleton.Credit Units: 5Course Hours: 68.0Prerequisites(s): RGAN 180(concurrent)Corequisites(s): Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

RDGR 180

Radiographic Technique 2

4

Building on the theory and skills learned in RDGR 179 (Radiographic Technique 1) you will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the axial skeleton.Credit Units: 4Course Hours: 60.0Prerequisites(s): RDGR 179Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

RDGR 190

Fluoroscopy

2

You will learn how fluoroscopic equipment and related accessories function and operate. You will learn how to describe various fluoroscopic examinations within the department and in the surgical suite. You will also learn how to identify the radiographic appearance of organs and structures for various views and projections used in fluoroscopic examinations.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 35.0Prerequisites(s): RDGR 180(concurrent)Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

RDGR 283

Advanced Radiographic Technique 1

2

You will learn about radiographic techniques used for localizing foreign bodies in the human body. You will discuss variations in techniques used for pediatric and geriatric patients. You will also learn the basic principles used in trauma radiography and mobile radiography.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 32.0Prerequisites(s): RDGR 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

RDGR 284

Advanced Radiographic Technique 2

2

You will learn how to describe specialized equipment and examinations of various body systems. You will also learn how to identify the radiographic appearance of specialized structures and/or systems specific to views and projections used in these examinationsCredit Units: 2Course Hours: 35.0Prerequisites(s): RDGR 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

RDTM 280

Computed Tomography

2

You will learn about the history and development of computed tomography (CT) scanners. You will learn about the specialized equipment and accessories used for CT scanning. You will study the principles of acquisition, reconstruction, post-processing and storage of CT images. You will learn about image quality, artifacts and quality control procedures, as well as use of contrast media and radiation dose in CT.Credit Units: 2Course Hours: 35.0Prerequisites(s): IMRC 183, RSAP 180Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

You will be introduced to the function and operation of basic x-ray equipment in producing radiation. You will also study quality control and how it is applied in a practical setting.Credit Units: 3Course Hours: 40.0Prerequisites(s): PHYS 184(concurrent)Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

SIMU 281

Clinical Preparation

8

You will participate in a 120 hour simulation designed to prepare you for your first clinical experience. The course will focus on skill development in the areas of patient care, diagnostic imaging procedures, equipment operation and quality control procedures. You will assume a variety of roles as you engage in authentic scenarios typically encountered in clinical radiographic practice. This experience will assist you to correlate your theory to real patient situations. Your ability to apply general employability skills will be stressed.Credit Units: 8Course Hours: 120.0Prerequisites(s): ETHC 182, ETHC 280, RDGR 190, IMRC 182, IMRC 183, PATH 184, RDBG 184, RDGR 283, RDGR 284, RDTM 280, RDTM 281Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Year 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 295

Clinical Radiography 1

43

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will develop basic radiographic skills in patient positioning, image critique and patient care. You will be introduced to advanced radiographic procedures.Credit Units: 43Course Hours: 648.0Prerequisites(s): SIMU 281Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

CLIN 296

Clinical Radiography 2

43

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will maintain and build on competencies and skills acquired in CLIN 295 (Clinical Radiography 1). You will continue to develop radiographic skills in patient positioning, image critique and patient care. You will perform advanced radiographic procedures.Credit Units: 43Course Hours: 648.0Prerequisites(s): CLIN 295Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

CLIN 297

Clinical Radiography 3

29

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will maintain and build on skills developed in CLIN 296 (Clinical Radiography 2). You will continue to develop radiographic skills in patient positioning, image critique and patient care. You will perform general and advanced radiographic procedures with minimal supervision.Credit Units: 29Course Hours: 432.0Prerequisites(s): CLIN 296Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Saskatchewan Polytechnic students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

Accreditation

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program is accredited
by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Program content is based on the Canadian
Association of Medical Radiation Technologists competency profile with topics added
as appropriate for addressing local needs.

Graduates are eligible to write the national Canadian Association of Medical Radiation
Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam, which allows you to work anywhere in Canada.
You are also eligible for licensure with the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation
Technologists (SAMRT).

The cost of Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists national certification
examination is the responsibility of the student. For more information, see www.camrt.ca/certification.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.